Former Indian cricket star Shikhar Dhawan is set to tie the knot with his longtime girlfriend Sophie Shine in a much-anticipated wedding ceremony scheduled for February 2026. The couple, who have been together for several years, will celebrate their union in a grand ceremony in Delhi-NCR during the third week of February, with preparations already in full swing.

The news comes as a happy new chapter for Dhawan, who announced his retirement from international and domestic cricket in August 2024 after a stellar career spanning over a decade. The stylish left-handed opener, known for his aggressive batting and iconic ‘thigh-five’ celebration, represented India in 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is.

When Shikhar met Sophie

According to reports, Dhawan and Shine, who hails from Ireland, first crossed paths in Dubai a few years ago. What began as a friendship gradually blossomed into a romantic relationship, and the couple has been living together for over a year now.

Their relationship became public when they were spotted together in the stands during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, sparking widespread interest among cricket fans and media alike. Since then, the couple has been seen at various social gatherings, though they’ve largely kept their relationship private.

A lavish Delhi-NCR celebration

The wedding is expected to be a grand affair, with big names from both the cricketing fraternity and Bollywood on the guest list. Dhawan, known for his vibrant personality both on and off the field, is personally involved in planning every detail of the ceremony.

“It’s a new beginning and they are treating it with quiet happiness and a lot of gratitude,” a source close to the couple revealed to HT City. The celebrations will reportedly take place at a premium venue in the Delhi-NCR region, though specific details about the venue and exact date remain under wraps.

Dhawan’s previous marriage and family

Dhawan was previously married to Ayesha Mukherjee, an Anglo-Indian boxer and kickboxer of Australian origin. The couple tied the knot in 2012 and have an 11-year-old son named Zoravar Dhawan. However, their marriage ended in 2023 following a highly publicized divorce.

Despite the challenges in his personal life, Dhawan has maintained a close relationship with his son and continues to be an involved father. The former cricketer has often shared glimpses of his bond with Zoravar on social media, showing his dedication to family values.

Life after cricket

Since hanging up his boots, Dhawan has kept himself busy with various ventures. He’s become a popular cricket commentator and analyst, offering his insights during major tournaments. The 39-year-old has also ventured into digital content creation and has been involved in several brand endorsements.

Recently, Dhawan shared his thoughts on fellow cricketer Virat Kohli, praising his hunger and discipline. Speaking on Backstage with Boria to Boria Majumdar, Dhawan recalled captaining a young Kohli in the Ranji Trophy and highlighted a defining moment that showcased Kohli’s character.

“Yes, Kohli always had that hunger. He played under my captaincy in the Ranji Trophy, and even at 16-17 years old, he had great clarity about his game. That was his biggest strength. The day his father passed away, he still came out to bat and scored runs - that showed his character and focus. From that day on, his discipline and intensity only kept increasing,” Dhawan said.

Sophie Shine: Who is she?

While Sophie Shine has largely stayed out of the spotlight, she’s known to be a private individual who values her personal space. The Irish national has reportedly been supportive of Dhawan’s career and personal endeavors, and the couple shares a strong bond built on mutual respect and understanding.

Friends of the couple describe their relationship as “grounded and genuine,” with both partners bringing stability and joy to each other’s lives. Sophie has reportedly integrated well into Dhawan’s social circle and has been warmly received by his friends and family.

Fans celebrate Gabbar’s new innings

News of Dhawan’s upcoming wedding has been met with overwhelming joy and congratulations from fans across the globe. Social media platforms have been flooded with well-wishes for “Gabbar,” as he’s affectionately known by cricket enthusiasts.

Many fans have expressed their happiness at seeing Dhawan embark on this new journey, with several commenting that he deserves all the happiness after his successful cricket career and previous personal challenges. The wedding is expected to be a star-studded affair, bringing together cricketers past and present, along with celebrities from the entertainment industry.

As February approaches, all eyes will be on Delhi-NCR as one of Indian cricket’s most beloved stars begins a new chapter in his life with Sophie Shine by his side.